Wednesday, May 26, 2010

The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Set for the Stage in World Premiere Musical Drama

/PRNewswire/ -- "I Dream" is a musical celebration and journey through the life and work of a man whose prophetic and historical significance has become legend. The story of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is now a major musical drama opening in Atlanta on July 9, 2010.

Presented by Musical-Dramatic Arts and directed by acclaimed actress Jasmine Guy, best known for her role as Whitley Gilbert in the 1990s hit series 'A Different World,' the through-composed work is an inspirational portrayal of the civil rights leader from his early years through to the end of his life.*

"I feel honored to be directing such a landmark production. With a glorious score set to such a moving American story, this is an exciting and emotional experience," says Guy. "And the fact that we are premiering in my hometown, where so much of the story originated, is so fitting."

Author and composer Douglas Tappin first began work on "I Dream" four years ago when he arrived from Britain to start a new life in Atlanta with his family. Once here, he immersed himself in the local history and, ultimately, found inspiration in the story of a local preacher.

"I've tried to combine historic and personal elements of Dr. King's extraordinary life and legacy with individual stories gleaned from interviews with people whose lives he touched during the tempestuous years of the Civil Rights Movement between 1955 and 1968," says Tappin. "I was particularly captivated by Dr. King's statement that man is neither villain nor hero - he is, rather villain and hero."

Having considered London, New York and Washington D.C., producers Cedric Perrier, Dej Mahoney, Tim Bowen, and Douglas Tappin were in no doubt as to the most appropriate city in which to debut 'I Dream.'

"We have often felt the hand of history on our shoulders as we have developed 'I Dream' here," says Perrier. "We have been most privileged to have enjoyed the support of Atlanta's former Mayor Shirley Franklin and current Mayor Kasim Reed, together with Ebenezer Baptist Church, as we have worked to bring this great story to life for its World Premiere on the Alliance Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center."

Originating the role of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is Quentin Darrington, fresh from recent Broadway success in the Tony-nominated revival of 'Ragtime.' "I consider it a tremendous privilege to not only create and present this intimate expression of this great man," says Darrington. "But also to do it in the city that centralized his life and work. It just feels right."

Acclaimed actress and singer Demetria McKinney, best known for her stellar performances in 'Tyler Perry's House of Payne,' won the role of Coretta after an extensive search. "I am proud to originate the character of Coretta Scott King, a woman who was not only an exceptional wife and mother but, equally, a leader in her own right in the Civil Rights Movement," says McKinney.

#1 Billboard recording artist, Bob Carlisle ('Butterfly Kisses' 'We Fall Down'), will premiere the role of King's mentor and professor. "I am thrilled to be asked to participate in this exciting production," states Carlisle. "I can think of no other genre that so fully unites drama and song than theater. This is where great songs about a great man can come alive before our eyes."

As with the cast, MDAI's music team boasts an enviable line-up including Grammy®-nominated arranger Carl Marsh (Cirque Du Soleil, The Temptations); Legendary arranger and veteran Quincy Jones collaborator, Greg Phillinganes (Michael Jackson: 'Thriller,' 'Off The Wall,' 'Bad'; Stevie Wonder: 'Songs In the Key Of Life'); And Keith Williams, music producer and Director of Music at the Ebenezer Baptist Church.

"I Dream" will run July 9 through July 31 on the Alliance Stage at the Woodruff Arts Center, as an independent production.

For ticket information visit: http://www.woodruffcentertickets.org/ or call (404) 733 5000. Also visit the official website: http://www.idreaminatlanta.com/

ABOUT MUSICAL DRAMATIC ARTS: Musical-Dramatic Arts Inc. (MDAI) is a theatrical production company, based in Atlanta, Georgia and London, England. Its mission is to stage productions of original works of musical-drama, with "I Dream" - based on the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. - being its first production in the U.S.A. Although Atlanta was selected as the most appropriate birthplace for this new piece, the company's intention is to tour this and future productions internationally through major markets, including Broadway and London.